Nick Kyrgios doubled down in his series with Daniil Medvedev as he beat a world No. 1 for the third time in his career, advancing onto new ground with a US Open quarter-final spot on Friday.
The Wimbledon finalist who has cleaned up his tennis act remarkably over the past half year – he stood 137 in late February – subdued the top seed and defending champion 7-6(11), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
“I want to go all the way,” Kyrgios said. “Hopefully it is possible.”
Defeat means Medvedev will lose his top ranking on Monday September 12, with either Rafael Nadal, Capser Ruud or Carlos Alcaraz taking over.
Kyrgios is the first player to beat a No. 1 twice in the same year since 1987.
The win came less than a month after the Australian who is yearning for home after three months on the road, dismissed Medvedev in Toronto as he came from a set down.
He also beat then-No. 1 Rafael Nadal to reach the 2014 Wimbledon quarter-finals
.Kyrgios will play here on Tuesday against Karen Khachanov who defeated Pablo Carreno Busta for a fourth consecutive time 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. 4-6, 6-3.
He is also alive in doubles with good mate Thanasi Kokkinakis, with a third-round match set for Monday.
“I’m not going to think about (singles). I still have doubles tomorrow with the beautiful Thanasi Kokkinakis,” Kyrgios said in victory.
Kyrgios went through the wringer in a marathon opening set which lasted for 64 minutes.
After breaking for 4-2 and then losing the margin, the set moved into a tiebreaker, which provided most of the early drama.
Kyrgios saved three consecutive Medvedev set points and finally managed to win the opener to huge cheers from a rowdy night crowd on his own fourth chance from his Russian opponent’s backhand wide down the line.
After leaving the court to change clothes, Kyrgios returned determined to capitalise on his sudden momentum.
The plan hit trouble in the opening game of the second set, with the Australian sending over three double-faults – and an ace – before dropping to 0-1.
The drought continued, with Medvedev taking a 5-1 lead and levelled at a set apiece after holding off a spirited comeback from Kyrgios, 6-3.
But the Medvedev superiority could not last, with Kyrgios finishing off his upset by sweeping the last two sets in just under three hours.
“I didn’t wait to celebrate much. It’s only the fourth round,” the 27-year-old winner said.
“But it’s a great experience to beat the world #1 in the Ashe Stadium.
“There are a lot of celebrities and important people here watching. I just wanna go on that court and show what I’m capable of.”
Medvedev said he was out-played by an inspired opponent who produced 53 winners.
“He played good. It was really even till the 3rd set,” the top seed said. “I started to feel worse physically.
“I felt sick today. I get sick at least once a year during the USA swing cause the air conditioning here is just crazy – last year it was in Cincinnati, this year here”
He added: “I felt my throat a little bit today, maybe that played a little bit of a role.
“At the same time it’s not an excuse at all because Nick played good, He beat me in Montreal and I was not sick.”
Main photo:- Thumbs up from Nick Kyrgios on his way to victory over World #1 Daniil Medvedev by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos:Ltd
